Game Day Provisions
The Technique
Honey-Garlic Smoked Chicken
Hosting a tailgating social whether under the tent or in your backyard, isn’t much different than any other lovely gathering. The key fundamentals always begin with planning & curating a beautiful menu that may be executed without flaw. Barbecue specialties are always a crowd pleaser & Honey-Garlic Smoked Chicken only requires minimal preparations. The two most important pieces of equipment that will be needed are thermometers. Have one available for the grill & one to test the chicken to be certain all portions are reaching their respective target temperatures. Knowing how to build a fire coupled with the type of cooker you plan to use are crucial factors to consider the making good barbecue. Look to The Tailgaters Quick Reference BBQ Guide for additional tips & pointers. To serve the chickens, split & fill a handcrafted batch of Game Day Brioche Rolls & top with Buttermilk-Herb Barbecue Sauce. When sweet victory is in order, look no further than Vanilla-Chocolate Icebox Pie to clench the win. Learn how to make a delicious main course ideal for game day entertaining & beyond that may be prepared in advance, if desired.
Honey-Garlic Smoked Chicken
makes 16 servings
Run The Option
Smoked chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of tangy sauces. Try it with Honey-Ginger Barbecue Sauce.
2 cups hickory wood chips
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
6 small garlic cloves, pressed
2 {5-lb} whole chickens
Butchers twine
Charcoal
Buttermilk-Herb Barbecue Sauce
Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes. Drain. Place in heavy-duty foil & make a packet. Poke a few holes in the foil. Set aside. Combine the honey, the mustard, the lemon juice, the salt, the red pepper flakes, the black pepper & the garlic in a small bowl. Tie the chicken legs together using the butchers twine. Spoon some of the honey mixture between the skin & the meat. Secure with a wooden pick to keep the mixture contained, if desired. Brush the remaining mixture over the outer skin surface of the birds. Sprinkle additional salt, black pepper & crushed red pepper flakes over the chickens, if desired.
Build a fire with the charcoal & push it over to one side of the grill. Add the packet of wood chips. Top with the grill grate. Place the chickens over the empty side to utilize an indirect heat cooking method. Top with the lid & adjust the vents in order to maintain a temperature between 225 to 275 degrees. Cook the chickens over indirect heat 2 hours & 15 minutes to 2 hours & 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees in the breast portion & 175 degrees in the legs & thighs.
Remove the chickens from the grill. Let stand 10 minutes. Pull the meat from the bones & shred with a fork. Serve with the Buttermilk-Herb Barbecue Sauce.
The Extra Point
Try the chicken & Buttermilk-Herb Barbecue Sauce combination over a baked potato for a quick & tasty supper.
FROM THE KITCHEN OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{testing notes}
How To Reheat Honey-Garlic Smoked Chicken When Prepared In Advance
Smoky pulled pork, ribs, chicken & everything in between essentially utilizes an indirect heat process that involves wood. Whether it’s used to build & maintain the fire or simply added with charcoal to enhance the flavor of the foods you’ll be preparing, the type of wood used acts to provide that iconic flavor we love. When entertaining & the main course is to be pulled or shredded & used for sandwiches, it may be prepared up to a day ahead & rewarmed before serving.
The Technique
Place the chopped chicken in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan & cover with foil. Chill overnight. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Remove the foil. Drizzle the meat with 1 cup ginger ale, beer or apple juice & toss it in the mixture well. This will keep the texture desirable & prevent it from drying out. Cover the pan with foil & place it in the oven 10 to 15 minutes or until warm throughout. The chicken may also be placed on the grill in a heavy duty foil packet & warmed over indirect heat with the lid closed until throughly heated.
etc
Game Day Entertaining
Visit these posts for more football & tailgating party inspiration
The Tailgaters Quick Reference BBQ Guide
The Tune
“Smokestack Lightning” Howlin Wolf
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